Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded E-Visa System
Uzbekistan has streamlined its e-visa process for 2026, allowing instant approvals for over 90 countries with fees starting at $20. The online portal now supports multiple-entry options valid up to 10 years for business travelers, making it easier for extended Silk Road journeys.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Uzbekistan, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Always verify with your issuing country's guidelines, as some nationalities require additional validity periods for re-entry after international travel.
Biometric passports are preferred, and photocopies of your passport should be carried separately for safety during your trip.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of over 90 countries, including the US, UK, EU nations, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes. This policy was expanded in recent years to boost tourism along the ancient Silk Road routes.
Ensure your passport is stamped upon arrival, and plan your itinerary to fit within the 30-day limit to avoid overstays, which can result in fines or entry bans.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply for an e-visa online through the official Uzbekistan portal (evisa.gov.uz) with a $20-50 fee, submitting a passport scan, photo, and travel itinerary. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days, but premium options offer same-day approval.
Include proof of accommodation and return tickets; for longer stays over 30 days, opt for the full visa application at a Uzbek embassy abroad, which may take 10-15 days.
Border Crossings
Airports like Tashkent International offer smooth e-visa processing on arrival, while land borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan require pre-arranged visas for some nationalities and may involve longer waits of 1-2 hours. Always carry printed e-visa confirmations for land entries.
Train crossings via the Afrosiyob high-speed rail are efficient for regional travel, but check for any temporary closures due to regional security updates.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and sometimes required for visa approval, covering medical emergencies, evacuation from remote areas like the Kyzylkum Desert, and trip disruptions due to weather or political events. Opt for policies that include coverage for adventure activities such as hiking in the Chimgan Mountains.
Affordable plans start at $1-2 per day from international providers, ensuring at least $50,000 in medical coverage to handle potential hospital stays in cities like Samarkand or Bukhara.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days are available for valid reasons like medical needs or extended tourism; apply at the local OVIR (migration office) in major cities such as Tashkent before your current visa expires. Fees range from $20-50, and you'll need supporting documents like hotel bookings or a doctor's note.
Overstaying without extension can lead to fines of $100+ and complications for future entries, so plan ahead for flexible itineraries along the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan border regions.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Uzbekistan uses the Uzbekistani som (UZS). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Tashkent by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for routes from Europe or Asia to Central Asia hubs.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at chaikhanas (teahouses) for affordable meals like samsa or shashlik under $5, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to save up to 60% on food expenses. Visit bustling bazaars in Tashkent or Bukhara for fresh fruits, nuts, and street food at rock-bottom prices.
Opt for set lunch menus (biznes lunch) in local eateries, which often include soup, main course, and tea for under $4, providing authentic flavors without breaking the bank.
Public Transport Passes
Get a Yandex Go app for affordable rides or use the high-speed Afrosiyob train between Tashkent and Samarkand for $15-25 one-way, slashing intercity travel costs by 70% compared to flights. Shared taxis (marshrutkas) connect smaller towns efficiently for just $2-5 per leg.
Multi-day rail passes aren't standard, but bundling train tickets with local bus cards can cover urban transport for under $10 over a week in major cities.
Free Attractions
Explore UNESCO sites like the Registan in Samarkand or Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, many of which offer free entry or nominal fees under $2, delivering world-class history without high costs. Wander the ancient streets of Khiva's Itchan Kala fortress on foot, enjoying panoramic views and cultural immersion at no charge.
Participate in free walking tours organized by local hostels or join community events at teahouses, where hospitality often includes complimentary green tea and storytelling sessions.
Card vs Cash
Cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but carry cash (UZS) for bazaars, taxis, and rural areas where ATMs are scarce. Exchange USD or EUR at official banks for the best rates, avoiding airport kiosks that charge 10-20% premiums.
Use international ATMs in Tashkent sparingly due to $3-5 fees per withdrawal; instead, exchange larger amounts once and budget daily to minimize transactions.
Attraction Bundles
Purchase a Silk Road combo ticket for $10-15 covering multiple sites in Bukhara or Samarkand, which pays off after 3-4 visits and includes lesser-known madrasahs. Look for seasonal discounts on yurt camps in the Aral Sea region, reducing overnight stays by 20-30% during off-peak months.
Many historical complexes offer student or senior discounts; carry ID to save an extra 50% on entries to places like the Ark Fortress in Bukhara.
Smart Packing for Uzbekistan
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack modest, loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders and knees to respect Islamic culture at mosques and madrasahs, including long-sleeved shirts and lightweight scarves for women. Layer with breathable cotton for hot days and a fleece for chilly mountain evenings in areas like the Fergana Valley.
Include quick-dry pants for desert excursions and a hat for sun protection; avoid shorts or tank tops in conservative regions to ensure smooth interactions with locals.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F for 220V), portable power bank for long train rides, and a VPN app to access restricted sites along the Silk Road. Download offline maps like Maps.me for navigation in remote areas without reliable signal, and a translation app for Uzbek and Russian phrases.
Pack a durable camera or smartphone stabilizer for capturing intricate tilework at sites like Shah-i-Zinda; consider a solar charger for off-grid yurt stays in the Kyzylkum Desert.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness meds for winding mountain roads, and prescriptions for any chronic conditions. Include high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and rehydration salts to combat dry desert air and potential altitude issues in Chimgan.
Pack hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a water purification tablet since tap water isn't safe; add insect repellent for summer evenings near the Aral Sea or cotton fields.
Travel Gear
Opt for a lightweight daypack for bazaar shopping and site-hopping, a reusable water bottle for staying hydrated, and a quick-dry microfiber towel for hammam visits. Carry small-denomination UZS cash in a secure money belt, plus laminated copies of your passport and visa for checkpoints.
Include a scarf or shawl for dust storms and a compact luggage lock for train compartments; noise-cancelling earplugs are handy for bustling overnight trains between Tashkent and Bukhara.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking sandals or closed-toe shoes for dusty streets and uneven cobblestones in ancient cities like Khiva, paired with sturdy hiking boots for trails in Ugam-Chatkal National Park. Socks are essential for mosque entries where shoes are removed, and opt for breathable materials to handle hot sands.
Waterproof options are useful for occasional rain in spring; break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters during multi-hour explorations of the Registan Square.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, moisturizer for arid climates, and wet wipes for freshening up after long bus rides. Include a small pack of tissues and a pocket knife (in checked luggage) for peeling fruits from local markets; don't forget earplugs and an eye mask for restful sleep in lively guesthouses.
For women, a lightweight headscarf doubles as sun protection and cultural respect; men should pack a comb for neat appearances in traditional settings.
When to Visit Uzbekistan
Spring (March-May)
Perfect for mild weather of 15-25°C, blooming apricot orchards in the Fergana Valley, and fewer crowds at Silk Road gems like Bukhara's Poi Kalon Complex. Ideal for comfortable walking tours and photography without the summer heat haze.
Navruz Festival in March brings vibrant celebrations with traditional dances and feasts, enhancing cultural immersion across Tashkent and Samarkand.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season with hot temperatures of 30-40°C, best for early-morning visits to desert sites like the Aral Sea ship graveyard or yurt camps in Nurata. Festivals like the Sharq Taronalari music event in Samarkand showcase global artists amid ancient architecture.
Expect higher prices and book accommodations early; focus on high-altitude escapes like Chimgan Mountains for cooler hikes and wildflower meadows.
Autumn (September-November)
Excellent shoulder season with pleasant 15-25°C days, golden foliage in mountain regions, and harvest festivals featuring pomegranates and cotton picking in the Zeravshan Valley. Lower crowds make it prime for in-depth explorations of Khiva's walled city and train journeys.
Pomegranate festivals in autumn add flavorful local experiences, with bazaars overflowing with fresh produce and traditional crafts at discounted rates.
Winter (December-February)
Budget-friendly with mild 0-10°C weather, fewer tourists, and snowy vistas at sites like the Charvak Reservoir for serene winter walks. Indoor attractions shine, such as heated museums in Tashkent and cozy teahouses in Bukhara during holiday markets.
International Nowruz-like winter events and clear skies for stargazing in the desert make it magical; pack layers for occasional frosts in higher elevations.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Uzbekistani som (UZS). ATMs are available in cities; exchange USD/EUR at banks. Cards accepted in urban areas but cash preferred for markets.
- Language: Uzbek (official), Russian widely spoken. English is limited outside tourist spots; learn basic phrases like "rahmat" (thank you).
- Time Zone: Uzbekistan Time (UZT), UTC+5
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for all services (police, medical, fire); also 101 for police, 103 for ambulance
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; round up taxi fares or add 5-10% at restaurants for good service
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Bottles cost $0.50-1
- Pharmacies: Available in cities (look for "dorixonasi" signs). Basic meds like painkillers and antibiotics stocked